Walnut Chocolate Chip Blondies {Applebee’s Knock-off Recipe}

I have to say that for as many brownies, blondies and other decadent bar cookies that have made it down my gullet, I’ve never had a blondie quite like this one.

These bars are golden and chewy. Chewy, chewy, chewy. Thanks to the exclusive brown sugar, the blondies bake up luscious and dense and well, did I mention, chewy?

Studded with chocolate chips and walnuts, these little blondies are absolutely magical. I’ve never had the original at Applebee’s but when my Aunt Marilyn sent me a recipe she had found for a general look-alike blondie and the word “YUMMY!” was scrolled across the top of the page, I knew I needed to make these a part of my life (and hips).

Totally worth it. Totally. Unique in their chewiness (seriously, can I stand to say that word one more time in this post?) and utter deliciousness, these blondies need to be a part of your life (and hips) immediately, also. Everything about them is perfect. And chewy.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9X13-inch pan with foil and lightly grease with cooking spray.

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and mix well. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix. Add the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda and blend until combined.

Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and nuts over the batter. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Oh YUMM-O! I’ve loved these at Applebee’s! But, when I’ve had them they didn’t have choc chips and had this magical sauce that went over the top……was hoping to get a recipe for the sauce too. It is creamy, with a hint of caramel and a bit of salt to off-set the sweet. I could drink it!! haha! Maybe someone else will come along with a knock-off sauce recipe. Thanks for sharing!

So, I think we need to start a new policy that when ever you make something this yummy you have to save some and share it with me. I think it’s a good deal! I love all the pictures of your food. I get hungry even though I just ate!

Bri – I’ve never halved it but if I did, I wouldn’t make any adjustments other than baking it in a smaller pan (obviously) and probably cutting the baking time down significantly, by 10-ish minutes, and checking often for doneness. Let me know if you try it!

Made these today and loved them! I used 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips and walnuts. So good! I also cut down the brown sugar a bit just because 2 cups freaked me out, and they still turned out great! Thanks for the recipe.

Mhhh oh golly gosh! Those are some fiiiine lookin’ blondies!
I’ve never had the ones from applebee’s, neither. In fact, I’ve never been to applebee’s (we don’t have those here). They really look nice and choo choo chewy – I’ll defo save the recipe!

You had me at chewy. I made blondies awhile ago that turned out dry and hard. I thought it might be the high altitude I live at (6,500 ft). I made these just to compare and they were very chewy and delicious! Even the next day. I love the edges and the walnuts were a great touch. This is my one and only blondie recipe now. Thanks.

Hey Mel, I found you through Shaunta’ at Step Into My Chambers & I am so thankful!! I love your site & I LOVE your recipes! I made these blondies last week & they were wonderful. I’m trying to lose weight right now so I just had one (okay, maybe two – ha!), then sent the rest to work with my husband. They were devoured!! We had your Pineapple Salsa Chicken (in tortillas) last night & it was SO tasty! We had huge helpings with plenty left over so I took it to my parents for their supper tonight. I know they will enjoy it, too. I’ve printed out several others of your recipes & look forward to trying all of them. One of these days I even plan to tackle your homemade breads! Maybe we’ll be like Julie & Julia?? Ha-ha!! Seriously, thanks for taking the time to share your expertise with the culinary-challenged like me!

OH. SNAP. This is my FAVORITE dessert! My family and I ordered it once ages ago when Applebee’s was considered a “special treat” (not so much anymore, haha) and we’ve been addicted since! My dad will give people cash to go and eat it as long as they bring back a receipt to prove they went. Seriously. I wish I was lying. If you haven’t had it in the restaurant, forgo all your preconceived notions of Applebee’s, just toss them to the wind, and eat it there. Hot, melty, chewy, with the sauce…DELICIOUS.

Thank you SO MUCH for this recipe! Sorry for all the caps lock and what not, this just basically turned my rainy dreary day into a perfect one! Looking forward to more tasty treats! I see your recipes on Pinterest all the time and can’t wait to try them out!

These were amazing Mel! Thanks so much for the recipe. I loved them plain and also with vanilla ice cream. I even tried the sauce recipe that someone posted and that was yummy with it too. Blondies are one of my favorites and I’d have them anyday over a chocolate brownie. These were the best!

I’m baking these right now, just happened to see a pic of them on the side of your post today. I didn’t even read the comments until now but the batter is heavenly. Can’t wait till they come out of the oven, thanks so much – love a blondie!

I kind of feel like I cheated…. Everyone raves about these and yet they are so simple to prepare. Made as written except used dark chocolate chips and pecans. My husband loves these with his Scotch! Lol!

These aren’t forgotten! Although I have to admit that I made them for the first time today for a potluck. They are indeed wonderfully chewy and were a complete hit! Thanks for yet another wonderful recipe that I also will use again and again!

Mel – I’m so glad you posted this on the list of forgotten recipes! I was looking for something quick to make for dessert tonight and had all of these ingredients on hand. They came together in 5 minutes and turned out DELICIOUS! You weren’t kidding about the chewy And I loved the walnuts. Thanks!!

Hi Mel-
I’ve tried this recipe twice and had the same problem both times. My bars turn out REALLY greasy. I realize they should be chewy but this was beyond. I was thinking maybe I’m not adding enough flour. I spoon mine into the measuring cup instead of scooping. What’s your method? I’m on the coast of NC so I’m right as sea level I don’t know if that could contribute to it as well. Got any suggestions? Hope you and the kiddos feel better soon. Our weather is going to be mild today, in the 70’s. Come on by for some fresh air!

Hi Kathryn – these bars definitely don’t turn out greasy when I make them so you might be on to something with the flour measuring. I always scoop and sweep which probably means I’m getting a bit more flour into my measuring cup than you are. Try adding a bit more flour (1/4 to 1/3 cup) and see how that goes. Good luck!

I made these and they tasted great but they just fell flat. Is there something I am not doing correctly? I followed the recipe… Also, is lining the pan with foil a must? Thanks Mel. My family and I are loving your recipes.. Yumm..

Hi Krissa, no you don’t need to line the pan with foil – I do so because it makes for easier cleanup. Also, when I make these, they usually fall a bit, too – they are on the dense, chewy side of the spectrum and not tall and fluffy. You might be making them just right!

I have been making these for years and years, I got the recipe from the newspaper and they are called something else but they are fantastic. My recipe has the chocolate chips mixed it and no nuts. they are always a hit wherever I take them and so easy!! love the sauce idea too…yum!